Could a Prior Juvenile Record Affect Whether a New Charge Is Transferred to Adult Court in PA?

November 6, 2026

A prior juvenile record can affect whether a new charge is heard in juvenile or adult court. Ultimately, it depends on factors such as the charges, the defendant’s age, and their criminal culpability. If the case is transferred to standard adult court, then that opens the door to significant punitive sentences that can follow the child for life.

The LLF Law Firm Criminal Defense Team has a long history of successfully protecting the rights and liberties of accused children and teens throughout all of Pennsylvania. Our team can fight to keep cases in juvenile court and challenge the evidence against your child.

Do not risk your child’s future. Call our Criminal Defense Team today at 888-535-3686 or send us an online message to protect your teen.

Can Criminal Charges Go Directly to Adult Court in Pennsylvania?

Yes. Under Pennsylvania law, there are certain offenses that are explicitly excluded from being considered “delinquent acts” that can be tried in juvenile court. For example, murder is tried in adult court regardless of the defendant’s age. Furthermore, if the defendant is 15 years old or older and has a previous delinquent adjudication for certain serious crimes, some charges are also excluded from being considered a delinquent act. Examples include:

As a result, having a previous juvenile record can automatically result in being tried in adult court.

Can Pennsylvania Prosecutors Request a Juvenile Case Go to Adult Court?

Yes. If a teenager is 14 years of age or older and facing a felony charge, prosecutors can request that the juvenile court transfer the case to adult court. The juvenile court must then hold a hearing on whether to grant the request. During this hearing, the child has the right to present a defense as to why the case should stay in juvenile court. Before deciding, the juvenile court will evaluate a multitude of factors, such as:

  • Previous juvenile adjudications 
  • How the alleged offense impacted the victim(s) and community
  • The degree of “criminal sophistication” exhibited by the child
  • Whether the child can be rehabilitated before they age out of the juvenile process at 21 years of age

While having a previous record is not the only factor a juvenile court is legally required to consider before transferring the case, it is one of the most important. For example, juvenile courts may find that teenagers with records display increased criminal sophistication via repeated offenses.

When Your Child Is in Legal Trouble, Call the LLF Law Firm

Once a case is transferred to adult court, the focus often becomes on punishing the child rather than rehabilitating them. Your child could face significant criminal penalties that result in their teenage and early adult years spent behind bars. That is why the LLF Law Firm Criminal Defense Team fights so hard to keep your child’s case in juvenile court, which we have done for countless clients throughout the state.

Protect your child and their future today. Call us at 888-535-3686 or send us a private online message to get started.

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